Up and Vanished - Episode 17: "Bad Blood"

Release Date: October 11, 2024
Host: Payne Lindsey
Produced by: Tenderfoot TV
Episode Focus: The mysterious disappearances of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas in Nome, Alaska, highlighting potential corruption and unresolved questions surrounding these cases.

Introduction

In Episode 17 titled "Bad Blood," Payne Lindsey delves deep into the perplexing disappearances of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas in Nome, Alaska. This episode uncovers potential connections between these cases, shedding light on possible corruption within the local police force and the challenges faced by investigators.

Background on the Cases

Joseph Balderas:
Joseph Balderas, a 36-year-old Alaska Native, disappeared from Nome under mysterious circumstances. His case became entwined with that of Florence Okpealuk, another missing Alaska Native, raising suspicions of a broader pattern of disappearances in the region.

Florence Okpealuk:
Florence's disappearance occurred in different circumstances compared to Joseph's, yet similarities in police handling and potential suspects suggest a troubling overlap.

Key Interviews and Testimonies

Leah (Former Summer Girlfriend of Jake):
Leah provides crucial insights into her relationship with Jake, a central figure connected to both disappearances.

• "Jake lied to the state troopers on multiple occasions about his whereabouts on the weekend Joseph went missing..." [00:48]

• "We were just outsiders in Nome... sometimes it hits a little close to home..." [03:07]

Leah recounts meeting Jake at a party on June 25th, 2016, and subsequent interactions that raise red flags about his involvement or knowledge regarding the disappearances.

Christine Pascoya:
Christine, a close associate of Joseph, shares her experiences and observations during the investigation.

• "He was a very generous person, you know, friendly... I didn't believe that he was crazy or that he was, I don't know..." [14:28]

Christine details her relationship with Joseph and the circumstances leading up to his disappearance, emphasizing his normal demeanor and lack of visible distress.

Kevin Pascoya (Former Radiologist):
Kevin exposes systemic corruption within Nome's police force and medical community.

• "There's a den of darkness and corruption up there, and you got to give people information..." [29:18]

He discusses his experiences with police misconduct, including a cover-up of sexual assaults within the Nome hospital system, and suggests a "good old boy network" that hinders investigations.

Jake (Potential Suspect):
Jake provides a cryptic perspective on the events surrounding the disappearances.

• "He's the only one that saw the body." [23:34]

Jake’s statements hint at possible involvement or insider knowledge about the cases, though his credibility remains questionable.

Corruption and Investigative Challenges

The episode highlights pervasive corruption within Nome's law enforcement and administrative bodies, complicating the investigation of both Florence and Joseph's disappearances.

Police Misconduct:
Kevin Pascoya details a culture of impunity among Nome police, where misconduct and corruption are rampant.

• "People escaping, people running away from stuff... People just don't want to speak." [29:18]

Suppression of Evidence:
Instances such as the disappearance and reappearance of a rifle in Jake's house suggest deliberate obstruction.

• "They found a rifle in his room. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything." [18:13]

Family Involvement:
The Pascoya family emerges as influential figures potentially obstructing justice, with connections to key investigators.

• "Lonnie Piscoya is a retired state trooper... His mother, Carol Pasquoya, obstructed a police investigation..." [29:18]

Connections Between Cases

The intertwining of Joseph and Florence's disappearances points towards a network of individuals possibly involved in illicit activities, such as drug distribution.

Suspects Linked to Drug Activity:
Individuals like Michael McGowan and Paul Benchoff Jr. are implicated due to their associations with known drug dealers and arrests related to narcotics.

• "With Michael McGowan on the run... associate of Oregon John..." [54:26]

Shared Locations and Evidence:
Both cases feature overlapping evidence, such as phone calls to known drug houses and suspicious activities around the times of disappearances.

• "Phone calls to a landline number linked to a house... known for its drug dealing." [52:18]

New Evidence and Insights

Recent findings suggest a pattern of behavior and evidence manipulation that could be pivotal in solving these cases.

Credit Card Usage:
Joseph’s credit card was used multiple times post-disappearance, raising questions about identity theft or someone using his identity for ulterior motives.

• "Some boxes of menthol cigarettes of the brand Kool K O O L... looking for you and we're going to find you." [50:53]

Witness Testimonies:
Individuals like Tom Vaden and acquaintances provide fragmented yet revealing accounts that hint at deeper underlying issues.

• "They never listen... they didn't listen to us." [46:56]

Potential Suspects and Their Narratives

The episode presents several suspects whose actions and associations may hold the key to unraveling the mystery.

Oregon John:
A cab driver with dubious ties to the local drug scene, implicated in both disappearances.

• "He was a cab driver in town... gave her some of Flo's... they thought I did it, so I bounced." [55:15]

Michael McGowan:
An active warrant holder for narcotics distribution, connected to both Joseph and Florence’s cases.

• "Michael McGowan is one of them. He was a druggie." [54:41]

Investigative Efforts and Community Involvement

Payne Lindsey emphasizes the importance of community engagement in uncovering truths obscured by corruption and fear.

• "We're going to take one more break simply so we can continue this investigation... The community engagement this season has been amazing." [58:20]

The host urges listeners to come forward with any information, especially related to identifiable purchase patterns and known drug users in Nome during the summer of 2016.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As the investigation progresses, Payne Lindsey reveals the intricate web of connections and the daunting challenges posed by systemic corruption. The episode concludes by reinforcing the need for continued community support and vigilance to bring resolution to the cases of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas.

• "They're all tied together and they're covered for each other... That means you think it could have been a murder." [10:56]

Lindsey announces a forthcoming final installment of the season, promising to piece together remaining fragments of evidence and testimonies to bring clarity to these unresolved mysteries.

Notable Quotes

• Leah: "Jake lied to the state troopers on multiple occasions about his whereabouts on the weekend Joseph went missing..." [00:48]

• Kevin Pascoya: "There's a den of darkness and corruption up there..." [29:18]

• Christine Pascoya: "He was a very generous person, you know, friendly..." [14:28]

• Jake: "He's the only one that saw the body." [23:34]

• Payne Lindsey: "We're going to take one more break simply so we can continue this investigation..." [58:20]

Final Thoughts

Episode 17 of "Up and Vanished" intricately weaves testimonies and evidence, exposing potential corruption and intertwining disappearances in Nome, Alaska. Payne Lindsey's investigative prowess continues to unravel complex narratives, urging listeners to engage and contribute to the quest for truth and justice.